Chief Minister Dr. Yadav Takes Strict Action on Elephant Deaths in Umaria

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that a state-level elephant task forcewill be constituted in Madhya Pradesh to promote harmonious elephant-human coexistence. Special “Hathi Mitr” will be appointed to support this initiative. In regions with significant elephant activity, solar fencing systems will be installed to protect farmers’ crops. Additionally, efforts will be made to involve farmers in agro-forestry and other alternative livelihoods beyond traditional agriculture. Dr. Yadav emphasized plans to develop forest areas in the state that foster coexistence between elephants and human settlements. He mentioned that discussions with the Union Forest Minister have taken place to ensure proper guidance and effective action by the Forest Department. In districts where elephants inhabit forest regions, “elephant friends” will also work to raise public awareness.

The incident is sad and painful, forest officials should be alert and vigilant

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of 10 elephants on separate occasions in the forest area of Umaria district, emphasizing that the state government is taking the matter seriously. A team of senior officials, including the State Forest Minister, has already inspected the site. The preliminary report indicates no traces of pesticides, though the detailed post-mortem report is still awaited. Dr. Yadav noted that the arrival of a large group of elephants in recent years has been a new and significant occurrence, with a notable presence in Umaria and Sidhi districts. He stressed the importance of field directors and other officials remaining alert and vigilant under these circumstances.

Suspension of guilty officials

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that during the critical incident involving the deaths of multiple elephants, the field director did not return from leave, and the necessary precautions regarding the arrival of the elephant herd were not taken. Due to this negligence, Field Director Shri Gaurav Chaudhary has been suspended. Additionally, In-charge ACF Shri Fateh Singh Ninama has also been suspended.

State officials will visit Karnataka, Kerala and Assam to conduct a study

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Bandhavgarh region and other forest areas offer favorable and appealing conditions for elephants. He explained that, due to the excellent management of these forest zones, elephant herds that once migrated from Chhattisgarh and other states are now staying instead of returning. This has led to a significant presence of elephants, making it a key focus for the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department. To address this, the government is planning to establish an elephant task force for natural and sustainable management in response to the growing elephant population.

A strategic plan is being developed to ensure elephants can coexist safely with other wildlife. Best practices from Karnataka, Kerala, and Assam—states with significant elephant populations—will be adopted. Officials from Madhya Pradesh will visit these states to study their coexistence strategies and ensure that human life in buffer and core areas remains undisturbed while also safeguarding the elephants.

Dr. Yadav emphasized the importance of using solar fencing or solar panels to protect crops in the plains outside the buffer areas, which will also serve as a safety measure for humans. The Forest Department has been tasked with protecting agriculture in these regions and ensuring that elephants do not damage the crops. This requires both concern and awareness, and active participation from the rural community in buffer areas is crucial. By involving local residents, a harmonious coexistence between elephants and humans can be achieved, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

Compensation for Loss of Life Increased from 8 Lakh to 25 Lakh Rupees

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the compensation for loss of life in the incident that occurred in Umaria district has been increased from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 25 lakh per person. This increase will also apply to the families of the two individuals who lost their lives in the incident. Additionally, farmers will be encouraged to engage in agro-forestry and other alternative activities beyond traditional farming by integrating the private sector into forest area initiatives. This approach will connect farmers with forest area resources, allowing them to benefit from these arrangements rather than relying solely on conventional crops.

Experts to Be Invited for Implementation of Key Measures

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that elephants that roam alone and separate from their groups in the forest areas will be radio-tracked to monitor their movements. This measure aims to prevent similar incidents in the future and represents a significant step forward. Additionally, experts will be brought in to implement further crucial measures. The Chief Minister emphasized that efforts will continue to ensure such incidents do not recur. With elephant herds now residing permanently in Madhya Pradesh, public cooperation will be essential. In districts where elephants are present, the district administration will work to raise awareness and provide the necessary information for better management. Dr. Yadav noted that, just as tigers and other wildlife have become an integral part of the state’s forests, elephants have now also become a permanent presence.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav took detailed information

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav received detailed information about the death of elephants from the high-level team that returned from Umaria during a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s residence today. Minister of State for Forests, Shri Dilip Ahirwar, and Additional Chief Secretary Forest, Shri Ashok Barnwal, provided insights into the investigation and various aspects studied during their visit to Umaria district. Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain participated in the meeting virtually. Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister’s Office, Dr. Rajesh Rajoura, Director General of Police Shri Sudhir Kumar Saxena, Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Bharat Yadav, Commissioner of Public Relations Dr. Sudam Khade, and other concerned officers were also present.

Elephant Identified and Rescued in Bagdara Beat of Khitauli Range

Additional Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Shri L. Krishnamurthy, reported that the elephant responsible for the deaths of two people on November 2 was identified and successfully rescued. The operation involved a team of 40 personnel, including wildlife veterinarians, the rescue team, the Field Director, and the Deputy Director of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, all under the leadership of PCCF Wildlife and APCCF Wildlife.

It is notable that on November 2, two fatalities occurred due to an elephant attack. The first incident took place in the forest of Dhamokar Buffer Range, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, near Banka village in Chandia tehsil of Umaria district. The second incident occurred in the forest of Chandia Range, Umaria Forest Division, at Deora village, also in Chandia tehsil.